Patents Assigned to Virginia Tech Intellectual Property, Inc.
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Patent number: 11883959Abstract: The present invention concerns a novel leg mechanism for quadrupedal locomotion. This design engages a linkage to couple assembly that only requires a single degree of actuation. The topological arrangement of the system produces a foot trajectory that is well-suited for dynamic gaits including trot-running, bounding, and galloping.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2022Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Pinhas Ben-Tzvi, Vinaykarthik Kamidi
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Patent number: 11880188Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the intelligent distribution of data for robotic, autonomous, and similar systems. To reduce the impact of multi-agent coordination on networked systems embodiments are disclosed that include the use of action-based constraints which yield constrained-action POMDP (CA-POMDP) models, and probabilistic constraint satisfaction for the resulting infinite-horizon finite state controllers. To enable constraint analysis over an infinite horizon, an unconstrained policy is first represented as a finite state controller (FSC). A combination of a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) routine and a discrete optimization routine can be performed on the finite state controller to improve probabilistic constraint satisfaction of the finite state controller, while minimizing impact to a value function.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Michael Fowler, Ryan Williams
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Patent number: 11863258Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training and deploying machine-learned communication over multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) channels.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James O'Shea, Tugba Erpek
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Publication number: 20230416867Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a Gas-Assisted Microbubble Extraction (GAME) system with an innovative dispersion module that can be used to efficiently separate and purify base metals and rare earth elements from various sources. The GAME system utilizes a three phase system of a gas phase, an organic phase, and an aqueous phase to efficiently extract low concentration metals from a solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2023Publication date: December 28, 2023Applicants: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc., Phinix, LLCInventors: Wencai Zhang, Subodh Das
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Patent number: 11848140Abstract: Various examples of an integrated parallel matrix transformer and inductor are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the transformer includes a first magnetic core having a first set of pillars of a first transformer and a second set of pillars of a second transformer and a second magnetic core having a first and second inductor pillar. The first and second magnetic cores can be separate or integrated into one core. The transformer also includes a planar winding structure. The planar winding structure may include a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. The primary winding can be configured to equally divide a primary current. The primary winding can extend a number of turns to conduct half of the primary current around the first inductor pillar and the first set of pillars and to conduct half of the primary current around the second inductor pillar and the second set of pillars.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Mohamed Hassan Abouelella Ahmed, Fred C. Lee, Qiang Li
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Patent number: 11840606Abstract: Described here are blocky PEEK copolymers and corresponding synthesis methods. It was surprisingly found that synthesis of blocky PEEK copolymers in a non-solvent environment with respect to PEEK produced blocky PEEK copolymers with high degrees of functionalization and crystallinity. The blocky PEEK copolymers had an increased blocky structure, relative to corresponding PEEK copolymer synthesized with other known methods. Moreover, membranes formed from the blocky PEEK polymers are particularly desirable in fuel cell applications. For example, the membranes formed from the blocky PEEK polymers had surprisingly large ion conductivities as well as significantly improved chemical and thermal resistance, at least in part, to the improved functionalization and crystallinity.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2021Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignees: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS ITALY S.P.A., VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Kelly D. Branham, David B. Roller, Stéphane Jeol, Marco Apostolo, Robert B. Moore, Lindsey Anderson, Samantha Talley, Xijing Yuan
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Patent number: 11821771Abstract: A method of thermodynamic assessment of flow through a turbomachine having a compressor, comprising: receiving sensor readings from a plurality of acoustic sensors located about an intake for the turbomachine upstream of the compressor; and receiving pressure and stagnation temperature readings for the flow into the intake. A static temperature is determined for the flow into the intake and an average velocity of the flow over a flow area of the intake upstream of the compressor using the acoustic sensor readings. A mass flow rate of the flow through the intake is determined using the average velocity of the flow and the stagnation pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Vasileios Kyritsis, Kevin Todd Lowe, Maurice Bristow, Peter Loftus
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Publication number: 20230340203Abstract: The present invention relates to poly(amide imide) (PAI) precursor polymers which can for example be used in Vat photopolymerization processes like lithographic processes for the photofabrication of three-dimensional (3D) articles. The invention further relates to polymer compositions including these poly(amide imide) (PAI) precursor polymers. Still further, the invention relates to vat photopolymerization methods to form three-dimensional (3D) objects that incorporate the aforementioned polymer compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2021Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicants: SOLVAY SPECIALTY POLYMERS USA, LLC, VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Eduardo Soriano, Joel Pollino, Kermit S. Kwan, Clay Bradley Arrington, Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Timothy Edward Long, Christopher Bryant Williams, Daniel Andrew Rau
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Patent number: 11796358Abstract: A flow machine having a flow passage and an air flow measurement system comprising a plurality of acoustic sensors. The acoustic sensors comprise at least one acoustic transmitter configured to transmit an acoustic waveform through the airflow passing through the flow passage to an acoustic receiver. At least one of the acoustic sensors is rotatable relative to one or more other acoustic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Vasileios Kyritsis, Kevin Todd Lowe, Maurice Bristow, Peter Loftus
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Patent number: 11793703Abstract: An exoskeleton system and associated components are described herein. The exoskeleton system assists a user in lifting and/or bending to perform various operations. Components of the exoskeleton system can include a force device, a release mechanism, and a leg differential system. The force device includes a gas spring and a compression spring to store and release energy to assist a user of the exoskeleton system, the force device having a smooth force profile with no initial loading. The release mechanism disengages and re-engages the force device when actuated by a user. The leg differential system enables walking while wearing the exoskeleton system and equally loads different force devices of the exoskeleton system when a user's legs are displaced relative to one another.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Alan T. Asbeck, Taylor Pesek, Timothy Pote
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Patent number: 11783196Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training and deploying machine-learned identification of radio frequency (RF) signals.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventor: Timothy James O'Shea
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Patent number: 11769915Abstract: A system and method for extracting recyclable material from an object. The system has a station for receiving the object, a station that prepares the object's cover for removal, a station that removes the cover from the object, a station that positions the object with the cover removed for loading, and a station that has one or more extraction devices configured to engage the object and remove the recyclable material therefrom and has one or more collection areas for receiving the removed recyclable material.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Robert H. Sturges, Zheng Li, Liurui Li, Tairan Yang
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Patent number: 11752451Abstract: Hydrophobic particles such as coal and hydrophobized mineral fines can be readily separated from hydrophilic impurities by forming agglomerates in water using a hydrophobic liquids such as oil. The agglomerates of hydrophobic particles usually entrap large amounts of water, causing the moisture of the recovered hydrophobic particles to be excessively high. This problem can be overcome by dispersing the hydrophobic agglomerates in a hydrophobic liquid that can be readily recycled. The dispersion can be achieved using specially designed apparatus and methods that can create a turbulence that can help destabilize the agglomerates in a recyclable hydrophobic liquid and facilitate the dispersion.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gerald Luttrell, Nikhil Gupta
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Patent number: 11747236Abstract: A turbomachine having an air flow measurement system. The system comprises a plurality of acoustic sensors upstream of a compressor of the turbomachine. The acoustic sensors are configured to transmit acoustic waveforms through an intake airflow to further acoustic sensors. The acoustic sensors are located in a single plane and mounted at angular spacing about a central axis of an intake.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Vasileios Kyritsis, Peter Loftus, Maurice Bristow, Todd Lowe
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Patent number: 11737810Abstract: Methods for treating tissue with irreversible electroporation and immunotherapy are described. The methods include placing a probe in tissue within a human body, wherein the probe has at least a first electrode, applying a plurality of electrical pulses through the first electrode and a second electrode, causing irreversible electroporation (IRE) of the tissue within a target ablation zone, and administering one or more exogenous agents into the tissue within the target ablation zone or to the human, thereby stimulating or otherwise modulating an immune system response within the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Rafael V. Davalos, John H. Rossmeisl, Paulo A. Garcia
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Patent number: 11733148Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the chemical composition of airborne particles by sequentially collecting and analyzing airborne particles in-situ. The method includes: collecting particles; enlarging the particles through water condensation; accelerating the enlarged particles onto a surface to collect enlarged particles; and analyzing the enlarged particles by: isolating the surface; passing a carrier gas over the surface; heating the surface to thermally desorb collected particles into the carrier gas; transporting this evolved vapor into detectors; and assaying the evolved vapor as a function of a desorption temperature. The apparatus includes: a sample flow inlet; a condensational growth tube; a collection and thermal desorption (CTD) cell; a carrier gas source; a heater coupled to the CTD; one or more gas detectors; and a controller configured to operate valves, the heater, the growth tube, and the CTD cell in at least an in-situ sequential collection mode and analysis mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignees: Aerosol Dynamics Inc., Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Isaacman-VanWertz, Nathan M. Kreisberg, Susanne V. Hering
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Patent number: 11708376Abstract: The disclosure provides compounds of Formula (I-A) and (I-B) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The variables, R, R2, R3, X1, X2, X3, Y1, Y, and Z are defined herein. Certain compounds of Formula (I-A) and (I-B) act as selective mitochondrial protonophore uncouplers that do not affect plasma membrane potential. These compounds are useful for treating or decreasing the risk of conditions responsive to mitochondrial uncoupling, such as cancer, obesity, type II diabetes, fatty liver disease, insulin resistance, Parkinson's disease, ischemia reperfusion injury, heart failure, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), Because mitochondrial uncouplers decrease the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are known to contribute to age-related cell damage, the compounds are useful for increasing lifespan. Compounds and salts of Formulae (I-A) and (I-B) are also useful for regulating glucose homeostasis or insulin action in a patient.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.Inventors: Webster L. Santos, Yumin Dai, Jose A. Santiago-Rivera, Jacob H. Murray
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Patent number: 11697730Abstract: In various aspects, reinforced composite filaments, methods of making reinforced composite filaments, and methods of producing reinforced composite filament are all provided herein. The reinforced composite filaments can include a thermoplastic polymer matrix having dispersed therein reinforcing fibers composed of a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. In some aspects, the thermoplastic polymer matrix is chosen such that a processing temperature for the thermoplastic polymer matrix is below a melting temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. In some aspects, the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer is chosen such that a solidification temperature of the thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer is below an upper processing temperature of the thermoplastic polymer matrix. The filaments can be used for fused deposition manufacturing of a variety of parts, especially for the automotive and other industries.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2019Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Donald G. Baird, Mubashir Q. Ansari, Craig D. Mansfield
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Patent number: 11699086Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for training and deploying machine-learning estimation networks in a communications system. One of the methods includes: processing first information with ground truth information to generate a first RF signal by altering the first information by channel impairment having at least one channel effect, using a receiver to process the first RF signal to generate second information, training a machine-learning estimation network based on a network architecture, the second information, and the ground truth information, receiving by the receiver a second RF signal transmitted through a communication channel including the at least one channel effect, inferring by the trained estimation network the receiver to estimate an offset of the second RF signal caused by the at least one channel effect, and correcting the offset of the RF signal with the estimated offset to obtain a recovered RF signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Timothy James O'Shea, Kiran Karra, T. Charles Clancy
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Patent number: 11682968Abstract: Various examples of power converters including Integrated Capacitor Blocked Transistor (ICBT) cells and methods of control of power converters having ICBT cells are described. In one example, a power converter includes an upper arm including a plurality of upper ICBT cells connected in series to form a series connection path and a lower arm including a plurality of lower ICBT cells connected in series in the series connection path. A controller can be configured to provide a control signal pair to each of the upper ICBT cells and a complementary control signal pair to each of the lower ICBT cells to control the converter output. A capacitor voltage controller can be configured to balance a voltage potential among ICBT capacitors in at least one of the upper arm and the lower arm.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 20, 2023Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.Inventors: Jianghui Yu, Rolando Burgos